The Syracuse Crunch has signed defenseman Ryan Hegarty to an amateur tryout contract.

Hegarty, 20, comes from the University of Maine after wrapping up a four year career with the Black Bears. In 123 NCAA games the Stoneham, Mass., native recorded 29 points (4-25). The defenseman also represented Team USA at the 2008 IIHF U-18 World Championship in Russia.

Hegarty was drafted by the Ducks in the fourth round, 113th overall, in the 2008 NHL draft.

"I like to play tough, irritate the forwards as much as I can on the other team,'' Hegarty said after Friday's morning skate.

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Hegarty was a teammate of Crunch forward Kyle Palmieri on the U.S. national under-18 team. He will wear No. 40 for Syracuse.